In early July 2025, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis formally announced a temporary suspension of all asylum hearings for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, primarily Libya.
The decision, due to come into effect for three months, is a response to a sharp increase in illegal sea crossings. The number of arrivals has increased sharply in recent months, overwhelming Greece’s asylum system.
Reasons for Greece’s Decision
According to the latest figures from the Greek Migration Ministry, the number of illegal crossings
by sea, between North Africa and Greece, has almost doubled between June-July 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Most migrants leave from Libya in overcrowded and dangerous boats, putting themselves at grave risk.
The migration crisis has worsened because of the civil war in Libya, growth of criminal networks involved in the illegal transportation of people, and the deterioration of patrols in international waters.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that "Greece cannot bear the brunt of the migration crisis caused by external factors outside the EU alone."
Many asylum seekers are exploiting loopholes in the legal system, delaying the processing of cases and overburdening local authorities.
How Does Italy Compare?
Greece is not the only country facing increased migration pressure.
Italy has also taken a number of radical steps in 2023-2024 to stem the flow of migrants.
In particular, the government of Georgia Meloni signed a controversial agreement with Albania to set up reception centers outside Italian territory on Albanian soil.
Under this agreement, migrants intercepted in the Mediterranean could be sent to Albania, where their cases would be processed. In return, Italy would finance these centers and ensure that basic humanitarian standards were met.
The aim of this agreement was to reduce the pressure on Italian islands such as Lampedusa and send a signal that Italy was tightening its migration policy.
Albania’s Role
From an international legal perspective, Albania’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organisations. However, the Albanian government has stated that it views this cooperation as an element of European solidarity.
Albania also receives financial and political support from the EU in exchange for its participation in resolving the migration crisis.
In turn, what we are witnessing is formation of a new strategy: EU countries delegate part of the responsibility for processing cases and placing migrants outside their territories.
This model has apparently inspired other states, including Greece, to reconsider their migration policies.
Consequences of Greece’s Decision
The suspension of asylum hearings has a number of (in-)direct consequences:
1. Legal Consequences: Greece could face increased criticism from human rights organisations and European institutions for potentially violating the right to consider applications deemed necessary for ‘international protection’ as enshrined in the Geneva Convention and EU law.
2. Humanitarian Risks: The number of migrants temporarily accommodated in coastal camps is expected to increase without the ability to properly monitor their situation. This creates a humanitarian burden and potential conflicts within the camps.
3. Political Consequences: The move is likely to gain support among right-wing and centrist voters in Greece, concerned about mass migration. However, it could also increase tensions between Athens and Brussels.
4. Regional Effects: Neighboring countries such as Türkeye could use the situation for political pressure. Türkeye has repeatedly accused Greece of “inhumane” treatment of migrants and could raise the issue again in international forums.
5. Precedent: The suspension could create a model that other EU states could follow. It could undermine the common asylum system in Europe, based on the principles of the Dublin Regulation and the common sharing of responsibilities.
EU Migration Policies in Flux
The migration crisis in Europe is escalating again and EU countries are looking for long-term solutions.
Greece’s suspension of asylum cases is a signal that traditional mechanisms are no longer up to scratch.
A comparison with Italy and Albania shows that Europe is moving towards a more rigid polixy on migration, formerly considered ‘inhumane’ in European circles.
With the tone changing, questions remain whether EU states will be able to pursue such solutions without comprehensive legal challenges and whether the spirit of the European Union will be called into question.
Read the Latest Articles on DET!
Logistical Connections: Russia and North Korea are Building New Routes
Hungary and Slovakia: EU Veto as a Double Edged Sword
